ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
CSIR in partnership with Laxai Sciences to seek regulatory approval to undertake clinical trials on Covid-19 patients using combinations of antiviral and host-directed therapies
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research , in collaboration with Laxai Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad, has sought regulatory approval to undertake four-arm randomized controlled phase III clinical trial. The design principle of the study is to rationally combine and repurpose antivirals  and host-directed therapies  addressing the disease-spread and pathology simultaneously and to determine safety and efficacy of the three combination drugs  and a control arm with the standard of care in COVID-19 patients. The clinical trial named MUCOVIN, to be carried out in the partnership with Medanta Medicity, will include a total of 300 patients in four different groups of 75 patients in the trials to be carried for 17 to 21 days including screening and treatment.
Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, DG, CSIR highlighted that this unique combinatorial strategy  with repurposed drugs having complementary, additive and synergistic role, has been adopted to increase therapeutic options for Covid-19 treatment and help recover patients faster. The partner CSIR institutes in this important clinical trial are the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad and CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu.
Dr. Ram S. Upadhayaya CEO, Laxai Life Sciences stated that “the study aims to target viral proteins essential for its replication as well as host factors that play crucial role in the viral life cycle and contribute to the cytokine storm”. Mr. Vamsi Maddipatla, MD of Laxai Life Sciences adds “The co-sponsorship of this study by Laxai Life Sciences highlights the company’s commitment in bringing life-saving therapies in the service of humanity”.
These clinical trials add to the several contributions CSIR has made during the pandemic and if the trial is successful, it will provide more options for treatment of COVID-19.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of Prof Bhim Singh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of Prof Bhim Singh.
Shri Modi said that Prof Bhim Singh Ji will be remembered as a grassroots leader who devoted his life for the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"Prof Bhim Singh Ji will be remembered as a grassroots leader who devoted his life for the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir. He was very well read and scholarly. I will always recall my interactions with him. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Defence
MoD organises interaction with Indian defence industry on reservation for Ex-Agniveers in corporate jobs
An interaction session was organised by Ministry of Defence on November 30, 2022 with the Indian Defence Industry under the aegis of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers to seek opportunities for gainful employment of Ex-Agniveers under the Corporate Recruitment Plan of the companies. The session was chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane. Senior executives from major Indian defence industry houses including L&T, Adani Defence Ltd, Tata Advanced System Ltd, Ashok Leyland and others participated in the discussion.
The Defence Secretary highlighted the endeavour of the Government to gainfully utilise the expertise of the Agniveers after their stint with Armed Forces with an objective to employ highly dedicated and disciplined youth in various sectors engaged in nation building. The skills gained by the Agniveers during their engagement with Armed Forces will help build a highly competent and professional work force which will be readily available for fruitful and productive engagement by the industry.
The senior executives of the companies conveyed their unstinted support and commitment in the endeavour and expressed their eagerness to deploy the Ex-Agniveers once the first batch completes its term with the Armed Forces. They assured that suitable provisions shall be made in their recruitment policies for reservations for Agniveers based on the available skill sets. Certain suggestions were also considered regarding bridging the skills learnt by Agniveers with the requirements of the industry.
The Defence Secretary, while acknowledging the encouraging response from the participants, urged the Indian defence manufacturers to act on their commitment and make policy announcements under the Corporate Recruitment plans at the earliest.
Ministry of Steel
Safeguard for Domestic Steel Industry
In view of huge steel capacity available with China, the Indian Steel sector could have faced threat from cheap Chinese steel imports. Under Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership , such imports would have got the advantage of preferential tariff and harmed the Indian Steel Industry. The Government’s decision not to join RCEP has been welcomed by the domestic steel industry.
During the 3rd RCEP summit, which was held on November 4th, 2019 in Bangkok, India highlighted the fact that the current structure of RCEP did not fully reflect the RCEP Guiding Principles or address the outstanding issues and concerns of India, in light of which India did not join the consensus. India also stated that the Act East Policy was the bedrock of India’s economic policy and India’s engagement with other trading partners would continue.
This Information was given by the Union Minister for Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Vice President's Secretariat
Indian higher education system needs to reinvent itself to respond to the emerging challenges of a rapidly changing knowledge economy-Shri. M.VenkaiahNaidu, Hon’bleVicePresident of India
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU,
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
BANGALORE
Indian higher education system needs to reinvent itself to respond to the emerging challenges of a rapidly changing knowledge economy-Shri. M.VenkaiahNaidu, Hon’bleVicePresident of India
Bangalore,April 12,2018
The Indian higher education system needs to reinvent itself to respond to the emerging challenges of a rapidly changing knowledge economy, said Shri. M.VenkaiahNaidu, Hon’ ble Vice President of India in his Convocation address during the Twentieth Annual Convocation of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, held here today.
Mr. Naidu said the demand for healthcare services in our country will undoubtedly be growing and when they treat a large volume of patients, the experience will broaden professional skills. If the healthcare professionals can keep updating their knowledge and skills by learning from the latest advances across the globe, they can certainly emerge as the leaders in their profession.
He told those who were graduating that this is a transition time when they were at the threshold of becoming full-fledged healthcare professionals, ready to take on the real and continuous challenges that are going to become an integral part of their life.
The Vice-President saidIndia has made rapid strides in the last two decades, with the proportion of people living in poverty falling by half. However, this period of rising prosperity has been marked by a “dual-disease burden”, a continuing rise in communicable diseases and a spurt in non-communicable or “lifestyle” diseases. We have to address both these health concerns, he said.
Shri VajubhaiValaHon’ble Chancellor of the University & Governor of Karnatakaand Dr. M.K. Ramesh, Vice-Chancellor of the University were also present during the function.
Ministry of Defence
PRESS RELEASE ON 12th DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF FD MARSHAL SHFJ MANEKSHAW, PADMA VIBHUSHAN, PADMA BHUSHAN, MC
A wreath laying ceremony was organised by Defence Services Staff College, Wellington on 27 Jun 20 at Parsi Zoroastrian Cemetery, Udhagamandalam to commemorate the 12th death anniversary of Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, MC. On behalf of the tri-services fraternity, Lt Gen YVK Mohan, AVSM, SM, VSM, Commandant Defence Services Staff College, Wellington laid a wreath at the final resting place of the revered soldier amidst presence of local Parsi community.
Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw was born on 03 April 1914 at Amritsar. He had an illustrious military career spanning over four decades. As a young Captain in WW-II, he saw action in Burma and was severely wounded. He was awarded Military Cross in 1942 for the conspicuous gallantry displayed in the face of enemy. During 1946-47 Field Marshal Manekshaw was posted in Military Operations Directorate and oversaw the planning and administration of various issue related to partition and subsequently military operations in Jammu and Kashmir. As Corps Commander during the 1962 operations, he demonstrated distinguished leadership and positively impacted the conduct of operations. He was also the Commandant of Infantry School, Mhow and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1968.
Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw took over as Chief of Army Staff on 08 January 1969. He successfully crafted India’s greatest military triumph by leading Indian Army into 1971 Operations which resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh within a short duration of 13 days. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972. In recognition of the outstanding contribution made by the General Officer to the armed forces and the nation, he was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal on 15 January 1973. He breathed his last on 27 Jun 2008.
Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw had settled down at Wellington after active service. His association with the station goes back to the time when he was Commandant of Defence Services Staff College. He shared a special bond with the Nilgiris and was equally endearing to the local population. In remembrance of the close association of Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw with the populace, assistance was provided by Defence Services Staff College to the needy by distribution of essential items through local NGOs. A man with unflinching moral courage and exemplary leadership qualities, his life would always remain a source of inspiration to the armed forces and the Nation.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 466
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 188 Crore landmark milestone
More than 19 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 188 Crore landmark milestone  today. More than 19 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10404894
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10013852
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
4735247
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18415225
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17534869
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
7444136
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
27485282
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
4337894
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
58254580
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
41725296
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
555574630
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
476515377
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
112705
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
202896180
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
187591998
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
402585
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
126847987
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
116865644
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
14541052
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
999878778
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
854584930
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
27235725
|
|
Total
|
|
1881699433
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 26th April, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
63
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
688
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
17698
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
85
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1195
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
39307
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
356432
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
572246
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
47365
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
147263
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
36164
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
407133
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
9799
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5235
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
85791
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
36245
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3567
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
55278
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
146163
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
448911
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
1269594
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
249212
|
|
Total
|
|
1967717
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to accidents in Mysuru and Dhanbad
Announces ex-gratia from PMNRF
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to accidents in Mysuru and Dhanbad. Shri Modi has announced an ex-gratia from PMNRF for the victims.
The Prime Minister's office tweeted;
"Deeply saddened to by the tragic accident in Mysuru, Karnataka. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured: PM"
"The loss of lives due to a mishap in Dhanbad is extremely unfortunate. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for a quick recovery for the injured: PM"
"The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives in the tragedies in Mysuru and Dhanbad. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000."
Ministry of Communications
West Bengal Postal Circle releases Special Cover to mark Global Tiger Day
Kolkata; July 29, 2022
India Post West Bengal Circle released a special Philatelic cover to mark Global Tiger Day here in Kolkata today. The purpose of releasing the special cover is to promote tiger conservation in the country. In all, 1,000 covers have been printed and will be made available to the public at a cost of Rs. 25 each. The bulk of the specially printed envelopes with a pictorial representation of tigers will be used by the Forest Department for its postal communication.
“This is an effort to create greater awareness on the imperatives of tiger conservation and India Post decided to contribute in its own way by releasing the covers, Ms J Charukesi, Chief Post Master General, West Bengal Circle said. The image printed on the cover is a photograph of a Sundarban tiger.
Dr. Jose T. Mathew, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest  Govt. of West Bengal highlighted the importance of tiger conservation, the threats posed to the big cat, and how it was on the brink of extinction till Project Tiger was launched in India in the early 70s. He said the tiger population declined from over 40,000 in the pre-colonial days to less than 2,000 post Independence. Launched in 1973 with nine tiger reserves in the country, it has expanded to nearly 52 reserves in the present times and the objective was to ensure a viable population of tigers in India, Dr. Mathew added.
A set of six picture postcards along with a special cancellation on "Global Tiger Day" has also been released by Ms J Charukesi. A book on postage stamps depicting Tiger was brought out by West Bengal Postal Circle.
Shri Niraj Kumar, Post Master General, Kolkata Region; Shri Tapas Das, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Sundarban Tiger Reserve and Shri Rajesh Kumar, Director, Sundarban Biosphere Reserve were also president on the occasion.
Prime Minister's Office
PM hands over chaadar to be offered at Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
PM hands over chaadar to be offered at Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today handed over the "Chaadar" to be offered at Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Ajmer Sharif, to the Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, and Minister of State in the PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi.
The Prime Minister has also conveyed greetings and best wishes to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s followers across the world, on the occasion of his annual Urs.
In a message, the Prime Minister said that Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is a symbol of the great spiritual traditions of India. He said Gharib Nawaz’s service of humanity would remain an inspiration for future generations. He offered his best wishes for the successful conduct of the forthcoming Urs.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
101.30 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
16,326 new cases in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 98.16%; Highest since March 2020
17,677 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,35,32,126
Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.51%; Lowest since March 2020
India's Active caseload stands at 1,73,728; lowest in 233 days
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 2% for last 29 days
Daily positivity rate  less than 2% for last 19 days
59.84 cr Total Tests conducted so far
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to former PM Shri Chandra Shekhar on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid his tributes to former PM Shri Chandra Shekhar on his birth anniversary.
The Prime Minister tweeted:
“Tributes to former PM Shri Chandra Shekhar Ji on his birth anniversary. He made a rich contribution to our nation and was widely respected across the political spectrum. He served society with utmost dedication and worked to remove poverty.”
Ministry of Science & Technology
Treatment of sewage water is essential to meet the challenge of water scarcity in coming years: Dr. Harsh Vardhan
Dr Harsh Vardhan calls upon scientists to scale up their sewage treatment technology for use across the country
Inaugurates CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur and CSIR-NCL developed eco-friendly and efficient Phytorid Technology Sewage Treatment Plant  at CSIR-NCL at Pune
Phytorid Technology Sewage Treatment is a self sustainable technology for wastewater treatment that works on the principle of natural wetland
Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan today said that treatment of sewage water is essential to meet the challenge of water scarcity in coming years. He called upon Council of Scientific and Industrial Research  scientists to scale up their sewage treatment technology and install it in all their campuses across the country.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan was addressing CSIR scientists via virtual medium after inaugurating the eco-friendly and efficient Phytorid Technology Sewage Treatment Plant  at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory -Pune, developed by CSIR- National Environmental Engineering Research Institute , Nagpur and CSIR-NCL.
The Minister appreciated the Sewage treatment using Phytorid Technology by the CSIR scientists and said that it was a natural treatment method by which treated water could be utilised for various purposes including for drinking. He underlined that today’s event be taken as a pledge to take this technology forward for broader use. He also outlined several other such projects by the Department of Biotechnology, Department of Science& Technology and other departments under the Science & Technology Ministry where waste water is being treated for good use.
PHYTORID is a subsurface mixed flow constructed wetland system developed and internationally patented by CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur with successful demonstration in the field for more than 10 years of continuous operation as a stand-alone sewage treatment system.
Phytorid is a self sustainable technology for wastewater treatment that works on the principle of natural wetland. It uses certain specific plants which can absorb nutrients directly from wastewater but do not require soil. These plants act as nutrient sinker and remover.
Using Phytorid Technology for the treatment of sewage, it is possible to recover and reuse the treated water for gardening purposes.
CSIR-NCL is the first CSIR laboratory to use NEERI Phytorid water treatment technology. Compared to the conventional processes, this natural system based Phytorid Technology for sewage treatment is zero energy and zero operation & maintenance .
Dr.ShekharC. Mande, DG, CSIR &Secretary, DSIR was present on the occasion, while Dr. S. Chandrasekhar, Director CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology  and additional charge, Director CSIR-NCL; Prof. Ashwini Kumar Nangia, Ex-Director, CSIR – NCL; Dr.Rakesh Kumar, Director, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur; Shri K. D. Deshpande, CSIR- NCL and scientists from various CSIR laboratories joined the function online.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Bulgaria in the field of tourism
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Bulgaria for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.
Details:
The main objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding are:
a) To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector
b) To exchange information and data related to tourism
c) To encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour operators,
d) To establish exchange programme for cooperation in Human Resource Development.
e) To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media /Opinion Makers for promotion of two way tourism
f) To exchange experiences in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and management.
g) Foster bilateral cooperation through film tourism for promoting the two countries as attractive tourism destinations and
h) To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.
Background:
India and Bulgaria had previously signed an Agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism on 26.05.1994. Bulgaria is a potential tourism markets for India . The signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Bulgaria will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this important source market.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Action Plan to Promote Dairy Industry
This Department has launched Animal Husbandry and Infrastructure Development Fund  in 2020 with an outlay of Rs. 15,000 Cr and Dairy Processing Infrastructure Development Fund  in 2017 with an outlay of Rs. 11,184 Cr as a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat package stimulus.
In 2020, as a part of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Rs 8000 Cr has been earmarked for assisting milk processing and product plants under AHIDF for implementation during 2020-2021 and 2022-2023 with objective of increasing of milk processing infrastructure, to provide greater access for unorganized rural milk producers, make available protein enriched quality milk products, develop entrepreneurship and promote exports. The eligible beneficiaries of the scheme are Farmer Producer Organization , Private companies, Individual entrepreneurs, Section 8 companies, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. Under the scheme, the Schedule bank will provide loan to the eligible beneficiaries up to 90% with the commitment of minimum 10%. The Central Government provide interest subvention @3% and also credit guarantee to those beneficiaries covered under MSME defined ceilings. The maximum repayment period is 10 years including 2 years moratorium period.
DIDF was launched in 2017-2018 with the objective of creating/ strengthening of Milk Processing, Value addition & chilling facilities for implementation up to 2022- 2023. The eligible beneficiaries of the scheme are Dairy Co-operative, Multi State Dairy Cooperative, Milk Producer Companies , National Dairy Development Board  subsidiaries, Self Help Groups  and Farmer Producer Organizations  registered under Cooperative and Companies Act. Under the scheme, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development / National Dairy Development Board / National Cooperative Development Corporation  provide loan  to the eligible beneficiaries. The Central Government provides interest subvention @ 2.5%. The maximum repayment period is 10 years including 2 years moratorium period.
This information was given by The Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today.